(from
DaimlerChrysler Press Release)
Exclusivity and dynamism in a wholly new dimension: the new
Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG in a nutshell. The compelling top-of-the-line
model of the brand new S-Class delivers 450 kW/612 hp and reaches
peak torque of 1000 Nm – more than any other vehicle in this
segment. The use of the new, innovative AMG high-performance
composite brakes with twin sliding callipers at the front further
illustrates the unique technological prowess of the powerful AMG
Saloon. The standard specification of the new S 65 AMG includes a
new AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control, the
unmistakable AMG bodystyling, multi-piece 19-inch AMG light-alloy
wheels, DIRECT SELECT gearshift with AMG steering-wheel gearshift
paddles as well as the new AMG main menu with RACETIMER. The
powerful AMG Saloon stands self-confidently ahead of the
competition, testimony to the outstanding role of Mercedes-AMG GmbH
in developing extraordinary vehicles and powerful drive systems.

The new Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG is celebrating its world premiere at
the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 8,
2006. Its ultra-powerful AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine delivers
performance that many sports car drivers can only dream about: it
accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in
just 13.3 seconds (provisional figures). The top speed is 250 km/h
(electronically limited).

Twelve-cylinder biturbo engine
with know-how from motorsport

This exclusive
performance is made possible by the 5980-cc V12 engine developed by
Mercedes-AMG. The engine’s credentials are outstanding: maximum
output of 450 kW/612 hp is maintained from 4750 to 5100 rpm, while
the maximum torque of 1000 Nm can be called on from 2000 to 4000
rpm. Even as low as 1000 rpm, the AMG V12 biturbo engine already
delivers 570 Nm of torque to the crankshaft, while 750 Nm is on tap
at 1500 rpm.

When designing and
building the V12 engine the AMG designers drew on the vast know-how
amassed over many years of motorsport involvement. The AMG V12
engine has a precision-balanced crankshaft made out of high-strength
materials, forged pistons made out of special material which is
extremely resistant to temperature and pressure, a more effective
oil-spray cooling system with a separate individual nozzle for each
piston plus larger piston pins. The main and big-end bearings are
also made out of improved materials to compensate for peak
temperatures and pressures more effectively. The charge cycle in the
cylinder heads benefits from optimised combustion chambers and
longer opening times of the intake valves. A modified oil pump
ensures that all lubrication points are supplied with oil - even in
highly demanding conditions. An engine oil cooler is integrated into
the AMG front apron, with an additional engine coolant radiator
located in the wheel arch.

Highly efficient charge-air cooler

The charge-air cooler
has also been redesigned with a low-temperature radiator in the
front of the vehicle that is around 70 percent larger. The system
works on the principle of the air/water heat exchanger for
particularly effective cooling of the intake air (which has been
compressed by the turbochargers) before it enters the combustion
chambers. The increased surface area of the low-temperature radiator
provides a 25 percent reduction in intake temperature and guarantees
high power and torque output under all operating conditions and
regardless of the outside temperature, even when the engine is
operating at full load. The housings of the compressor and turbine
in both turbochargers as well as the turbine and compressor wheels
have been enlarged to cope with the maximum charge pressure of 1.5
bar.

The electronically controlled fuel supply with newly developed
components operates with a variable system pressure between 3.6 and
5.0 bar. Depending on the power requirements and outside
temperature, the fuel pressure is variably controlled almost
instantly. The engine management system translates the command from
the accelerator within milliseconds, delivering an extremely fast
response from the engine in all load situations.
AMG sports exhaust system for typical AMG twelve-cylinder vocals

The AMG sports exhaust system with two twin chrome tailpipes in the
new V12 design provides the telltale AMG twelve-cylinder vocals on
the new S 65 AMG. The new tri-metallic coating used in the catalytic
converters provides a faster response from a cold start, improved
emission control as well as longer life. Naturally the S 65 AMG
fulfils all standard exhaust emissions limits such as EU4. The
ultra-powerful twelve-cylinder unit takes the specific requirements
of the U.S. market such as LEV II, “On-Board Diagnosis II” and
oxygen sensor diagnosis in its stride.

The special position of the AMG V12 engine was singled out at the
“International Engine of the Year Awards 2004”: in the “Best
Performance Engine” category the jury chose the 450-kW/612-hp AMG
engine as the winner, beating off a field of 70 renowned competitors
from Europe, the USA and Japan. In the AMG engine manufacturing
facility, each engine is traditionally hand-built according to the
“One man, one engine” philosophy. That means that each complete AMG
V12 engine is assembled from start to finish by a single technician
– documented with the technician’s signature on the AMG engine
plate.

World first: newly developed AMG
high-performance composite brakes

The completely newly
developed AMG high-performance composite brakes based on the
ADAPTIVE BRAKE system set new standards in terms of stopping
distances, sensitivity and durability. A new twin sliding calliper
is used for the front brakes, the kind of innovation people have
come to expect from AMG. This new, unique technology combines the
advantages of a floating-calliper brake – lower heat transfer to the
brake fluid and significantly improved ride comfort due to the way
the brake pads are located – with the performance of a large fixed-calliper
brake. At the rear a large sliding frame-type calliper provides the
braking. Composite brake discs at the front and rear with a diameter
of 390 and 365 millimetres respectively ensure the shortest stopping
distances, remarkable strength and outstanding sensitivity. The
dual-circuit hydraulic braking system is controlled electronically
and supports numerous driver assistance functions that improve
safety and comfort. Multi-piece 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with
mixed tyres provide the contact with the road. 255/40 ZR 19 tyres
are fitted on 8.5-inch-wide wheels at the front, while 275/40 ZR 19
tyres combine with 9.5-inch-wide wheels at the rear.

The drive power is
transferred to the wheels in the new S 65 AMG via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT
five-speed automatic transmission with AMG steering-wheel gearshift
paddles and DIRECT SELECT gearshift. The conventional automatic
selector lever in the centre console is replaced by a lever on the
steering column, which the driver nudges to select the transmission
settings “P”, “N”, “R” and “D”.

The driver can use the “S/C/M” mode button in the centre console to
select from the “Sport”, “Comfort” and “Manual” shift programmes
that not only change the transmission characteristics but also the
accelerator response and the spring/damper settings of the AMG
sports suspension based on Active Body Control. The gears can also
be shifted at any time using the silver-coloured aluminium gearshift
paddles on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel.

High torque requires a reinforced
powertrain

The unrivalled 1000 Nm
torque requires a systematically reinforced powertrain on the S 65
AMG. In the automatic transmission this includes newly developed
clutch plates with a high-quality metallic coating and the modified
shift and torque converter logic. Redesigned drive shafts, larger
hub carriers as well as strengthened steel spring links supplement
these measures.

AMG sports suspension based on
Active Body Control

The AMG sports
suspension with the Active Body Control system is the perfect
complement to the sophisticated drive technology. The active
suspension reduces almost all of the body movements that occur when
moving off, negotiating bends and braking. Bends are negotiated with
far less roll; the body roll with fast evasive manoeuvring is
effectively suppressed. Compared with the previous model, the
second-generation Active Body Control is even more effective, for
instance in reducing body movements in any given driving situation.
Thus the S 65 AMG opens up new dimensions in dynamic handling –
while offering appreciably improved ride comfort.

Unmistakable AMG bodystyling
creates a distinctive look

Hallmark Mercedes
elegance coupled with distinctive sportiness – the first impression
you get from the new S 65 AMG. The new AMG bodystyling is combined
superbly with the pronounced flared wheel arches, providing a
markedly poised and assured appearance. At the front the redesigned
AMG front apron with enlarged air intakes adds an athletic touch.
The two slanted struts and integrated round fog lamps set in chrome
rings make the S-Class look even wider and lower. The side skirts
take up the line of the AMG front apron and emphasise the dynamic
feel of the side view; all reinforced through the “V12 biturbo”
lettering on the front wings.

The new multi-piece 19-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels with a
star on the centre of the wheel painted in titanium grey blend
harmoniously into the overall lines and represent additional
highlights. The powerful AMG bodystyling design of the rear apron
and the AMG sports exhaust system comprising two combined twin
tailpipes in the new V12 design provide the perfect finishing
touches.

The exclusive interior
appointments fit in perfectly with the dynamic exterior: open the
door and the S 65 AMG welcomes the driver with a large AMG logo in
the AMG instrument cluster’s central display. The integrated custom
AMG main menu constantly displays the gear currently selected as
well as recommending when to shift up to the next gear. There is
also a choice of engine oil temperature, the battery voltage or the
“RACETIMER”. This new function enables the driver for the first time
to calculate lap times in the AMG model – on a private racetrack,
for instance. The RACETIMER stores the time of the fastest lap, the
average and top speed as well as the lap distance; all the
information can be called up conveniently using the thumb-operated
buttons on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel. The AMG
instrument cluster with its 360-km/h dial discreetly indicates the
performance of the S 65 AMG.

The extensive burr walnut trim, the “Exclusive PASSION” leather
upholstery and the AMG dynamic sports seats with their own
distinctive design add that touch of distinctive flair. The AMG
ergonomic sports steering wheel with its specially sculpted rim and
the AMG aluminium gearshift paddles with “up” and “down” lettering
is a joy to hold and behold. One of the most eye-catching features
in the interior of the new S 65 AMG is the exclusive analogue clock
with its “IWC Ingenieur” design in the centre console. High-quality
AMG door sill panels provide the finishing touch for the interior.